Chad Johnson Blames Patriots for Lack of Production Last Season

Elsa/Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- When Chad Johnson was with the New England Patriots last season, it didn't go like anyone had hoped. The former Pro Bowl wide receiver struggled to remain productive despite having Tom Brady throw him the ball. Johnson feels like his poor season was because of the team.

"I'm going back to my normal ways," Johnson told the Miami Herald. "My normal ways when I was at my best, when I got fined, look at the production in those years. Usually things don't go right when you try to change the way you do things. I'm back to normal."

After spending the first 10 years of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson joined the Patriots because he wanted to play for a contending team. The Patriots made it to the Super Bowl, but Johnson didn't have much to do with that. He caught just 15 passes for 276 yards with just one touchdown.

"My personality was controlled last year. You didn't hear me at all this year. Zero. Zilch. When my mouth is running, it forces me to perform. It's never been vindictive. I never got anybody in trouble."

The Patriots wound up releasing Johnson, which paved the way for him sign with the Miami Dolphins in the offseason.